Electro-mechanical deadbolt connection to main housing

ABSTRACT

Certain aspects of the technology disclosed herein include an apparatus and method for electrically and mechanically connecting a deadbolt to a main housing of a lock. The main housing can be configured to extend a deadbolt along a path to lock and/or unlock a door while receiving electrical energy from an energy storage device disposed in the deadbolt. The energy storage device disposed in the deadbolt can be proximate to one or more electrical contacts electrically connected to one or more components in the main housing via conductive components of a bolt carriage. The bolt carriage includes a groove attachable to a male detent connector attached to the deadbolt. The groove in the bolt carriage provides a mechanical connection to the deadbolt and also aligns pogo pins with electrical components of the bolt carriage to enable electrical transmission from the deadbolt to the main housing.

CLAIM FOR PRIORITY

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/428,711, entitled “ELECTRO-MECHANICAL DEADBOLTCONNECTION TO MAIN HOUSING,” and filed May 31, 2019, which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/917,028,entitled “ELECTRO-MECHANICAL DEADBOLT CONNECTION TO MAIN HOUSING,” andfiled Mar. 9, 2018, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,364,594 on Jul. 30,2019, which is a continuation application of International PatentApplication No. PCT/US2017/052356, entitled “ELECTRO-MECHANICAL DEADBOLTCONNECTION TO MAIN HOUSING,” and filed Sep. 19, 2017, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/396,794, entitled“METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR A FULLY FUNCTIONAL MODERN DAY SMARTLOCK,” filed on Sep. 19, 2016, both of which are incorporated byreference herein in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to locking mechanisms, and morespecifically to an electro-mechanical deadbolt connection to a mainhousing of a lock.

BACKGROUND

Locks can be configured to fasten doors to inhibit unauthorized entryinto buildings. Conventional deadbolts are moved to an open position byrotating a lock cylinder with a key. Conventional spring bolt locks usea spring to hold a bolt in place, allowing retraction by applying forceto the bolt itself. A deadbolt is often used to complement a spring-boltlock on an entry door to a building.

A cylinder operated conventional deadbolt can be either single cylinderor double cylinder. A single cylinder deadbolt will accept a key on oneside of the lock, but is operated by a twist knob on the other side. Adouble cylinder deadbolt will accept a key on both sides and thereforedoes not require (and often do not have) any twist knob. Some deadboltsalso have a lockable knob so that a key is always needed on one side(e.g., external), and a twist knob can be used on the other (e.g.,internal), unless a button has been pressed, in which case a key is alsoneeded on the internal side.

Currently available electronic deadbolts require cumbersome hardwareextending out of a door. For example, some conventional electronicdeadbolts include a large cylinder that protrudes out of a door. A sideof the cylinder can include a paddle, or a twist knob. The rotation ofthe cylinder using the key (inserted into the key slot and rotated) orthe paddle (moved or rotated to another position) can result in thedeadbolt of the lock to retract (e.g., to unlock the door) or extend(e.g., to lock the door). However, some homeowners find it cumbersome tobe limited to locking or unlocking the door lock of a door using the keyor the paddle. Additionally, the homeowner might not know whether thedoor is fully locked, or the state of the door lock when away from thehome.

SUMMARY

Some of the subject matter described herein includes an apparatus andmethod for storing energy in a electromechanical lock. Theelectromechanical lock can include a main housing and a deadbolt. Themain housing can be configured to extend and/or retract a deadbolt alonga path to lock and/or unlock a door. The main housing can include anactuator coupled with a bolt carriage attachable to the deadbolt. Theactuator can be configured to retract the deadbolt to operate in anunlocked state. The actuator can be configured to extend the deadboltinto a deadbolt slot in a locked state. Activating the actuator cancause the bolt carriage to extend or retract an attached deadbolt. Thehousing can include an accelerometer configured to rotate along anon-linear path as the electromechanical lock transitions between anunlocked state and a locked state, wherein the accelerometer isconfigured to determine a gravity vector representing an inclination ofthe accelerometer along the non-linear path. The accelerometer and/orthe actuator can be powered by an energy storage device within thedeadbolt.

The deadbolt can have a hollow inner region configured to receive anenergy storage device. The hollow inner region extends a length of thedeadbolt. The deadbolt can be approximately cylindrically shaped. Thedeadbolt can be composed of a material including a nitride metal, aprecipitation hardened alloy, or a combination thereof. The deadbolt canbe case hardened using one or more case hardening methods such as, forexample, nitriding, carburization, precipitation hardening, or othertempering applications. The deadbolt can include an attachment mechanismconfigured to attach to a bolt carriage of the main housing, wherein thebolt carriage is configured to move the deadbolt along the path. Thebolt carriage can include an electrical connection and attachmentmechanism for the deadbolt. The electrical connection can be configuredto direct an electric current from the energy storage device to the mainhousing. The attachment mechanism can be configured to move the deadboltalong the path to lock and/or unlock the door.

The energy storage device can include an electrochemical cell. Theenergy storage device within the deadbolt can be electrically connectedto the main housing. The energy storage device can be used to power anactuator and/or accelerometer in the main housing.

A deadbolt cap can be attachable to the deadbolt. The deadbolt cap canbe configured to secure the energy storage device within the deadbolt. Abolt sleeve can surround the deadbolt. An outer surface of the deadboltcan be adjacent to an inner surface of the bolt sleeve. Extending and/orretracting the deadbolt can cause the deadbolt to move in and outthrough the bolt sleeve. A bolt housing can surround the bolt sleeve andthe deadbolt. An inner surface of the bolt housing can be adjacent to anouter surface of the bolt sleeve. The bolt housing can include anattachment mechanism configured to attach to the main housing.

A deadbolt extension device can be used to adapt the electromechanicallock to doors of various sizes. The deadbolt extension device caninclude another electrical connection and another attachment mechanismfor the deadbolt. The another electrical connection can be configured toelectrically connect the deadbolt with the main housing. The anotherattachment mechanism can be configured to attach the deadbolt apre-defined distance apart from the main housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of an electromechanical lockingmechanism, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the electromechanical lock, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 3 shows another side view of the electromechanical lock, accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of components included in theelectromechanical lock, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5A shows an exploded view of components included in theelectromechanical lock, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5B shows an exploded view of components included in theelectromechanical lock, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6A shows an exploded view of components included in theelectromechanical lock, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6B shows an exploded view of components included in theelectromechanical lock, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7A shows an isometric cross-section view of a bolt housing,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7B shows an isometric cross-section view of a bolt housing, ahollow bolt, and an energy storage device, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8A shows an exploded view of a bolt housing and a hollow bolt,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8B shows an exploded view of a bolt housing, a hollow bolt, anenergy storage device, and a bolt cap, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9A is a flow diagram of a method for electrically connecting adeadbolt with a main housing, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9B is a flow diagram of a method for mechanically connecting adeadbolt with a main housing, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a method for operating an electromechanicallock, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11A is a flow diagram of a method for adjusting operation of adeadbolt based on characteristics of a door, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11B is a flow diagram of a method for adjusting operation of adeadbolt, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the exampleform of a computer system within which a set of instructions, forcausing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies ormodules discussed herein, can be executed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the technology disclosed herein include anelectromechanical lock configured to lock and unlock a door. Theelectromechanical lock can include a main housing and a deadbolt. Thedeadbolt can include an energy storage device. The deadbolt can beelectrically connected to the main housing. The energy storage devicecan power one or more components of the main housing.

The main housing can include an actuator, an accelerometer, and acontroller circuit. The actuator can be configured to retract thedeadbolt into the electromechanical lock to operate in the unlock state,and configured to extend the deadbolt into the deadbolt slot in the lockstate. The accelerometer can be coupled with a component of theelectromechanical lock that is configured to rotate along a non-linearpath (e.g., a curved path) as the electromechanical lock transitionsbetween the unlock state and the lock state. The accelerometer can beconfigured to determine a gravity vector representing an inclination ofthe accelerometer along the non-linear path. The controller circuit canbe configured to receive an instruction via wireless communication froma mobile device (e.g., mobile phone, smart watch, electronic ring,tablet, etc.) indicating that the electromechanical lock should lock thedoor of the home by transitioning from the unlock state to the lockstate; cause the actuator to extend the deadbolt along the linear pathtowards the deadbolt slot to lock the door; receive the gravity vectordetermined by the accelerometer as it rotates along the non-linear path;determine a position of the deadbolt along the linear path based on thegravity vector; determine that the position of the deadbolt along thelinear path corresponds to an endpoint of the non-linear path of theaccelerometer; and cause the actuator to stop extending the deadboltbased on the determination that the position of the deadbolt along thelinear path corresponds to the endpoint of the non-linear path of theaccelerometer.

The deadbolt can be configured to travel along a linear path to adeadbolt slot of a door jamb as the electromechanical lock transitionsfrom an unlock state to unlock the door and a lock state to lock thedoor. The deadbolt can have a hollow inner region configured to receivean energy storage device. The hollow inner region extends a length ofthe deadbolt. The deadbolt can be approximately cylindrically shaped.The deadbolt can be composed of a material including a nitride metal, aprecipitation hardened alloy, or a combination thereof. The deadbolt caninclude an attachment mechanism configured to attach to a bolt carriageof the main housing, wherein the bolt carriage is configured to move thedeadbolt along the path. The bolt carriage can include an electricalconnection and attachment mechanism for the deadbolt. The electricalconnection can be configured to direct an electric current from theenergy storage device to the main housing. The attachment mechanism canbe configured to move the deadbolt along the path to lock and/or unlockthe door.

The energy storage device can include an electrochemical cell. Theenergy storage device within the deadbolt can be electrically connectedto the main housing. The energy storage device can be used to power anactuator and/or accelerometer in the main housing.

A deadbolt cap can be attachable to the deadbolt. The deadbolt cap canbe configured to secure the energy storage device within the deadbolt. Abolt sleeve can surround the deadbolt. An outer surface of the deadboltcan be adjacent to an inner surface of the bolt sleeve. Extending and/orretracting the deadbolt can cause the deadbolt to move in and outthrough the bolt sleeve. A bolt housing can surround the bolt sleeve andthe deadbolt. An inner surface of the bolt housing can be adjacent to anouter surface of the bolt sleeve. The bolt housing can include anattachment mechanism configured to attach to the main housing.

A deadbolt extension device can be used to adapt the electromechanicallock to doors of various sizes. The deadbolt extension device caninclude another electrical connection and an additional attachmentmechanism for the deadbolt. The additional electrical connection can beconfigured to electrically connect the deadbolt with the main housing.The additional attachment mechanism can be configured to attach thedeadbolt a pre-defined distance apart from the main housing.

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of an electromechanical lock, accordingto an embodiment. The electromechanical lock can include a main housing,a bolt housing 106, and a front plate 112. The main housing isconfigured to enter a bore hole of a door. The main housing can fitentirely within a bore hole of a door. For example, the main housing canbe approximately cylindrically shaped and can have a diameter ofapproximately 2 inches (e.g., 2.1 inches). The bolt housing isconfigured to enter a cross bore of a door. For example, the bolthousing 106 can be approximately cylindrically shaped and have adiameter of approximately 1 inch (e.g., 0.9 inches) and a length ofapproximately 1.5 inches (e.g., 1.31 inches, 1.69 inches, etc.).

The main housing can include a left housing 102, a right housing 108,and an antenna cover 104. The main housing can include an antenna (notshown) below the antenna cover 104 configured to communicate withanother device (e.g., a mobile device). The main housing can include anactuator (e.g., a shape memory device and/or a motor), an accelerometer,and a controller circuit (e.g., one or more processors). The actuatorcan cause a deadbolt within the bolt housing to extent and retract. Theaccelerometer can rotate along a non-linear path (e.g., a curved path)as the deadbolt extends and retracts. The accelerometer can beconfigured to determine a gravity vector representing an inclination ofthe accelerometer along the non-linear path. The controller circuit canreceive an instruction via wireless communication from a mobile device(e.g., mobile phone, smart watch, electronic ring, tablet, etc.)indicative of a lock or unlock request. The controller circuit can causethe actuator to extend or retract. The controller circuit can receivethe gravity vector determined by the accelerometer as it rotates alongthe non-linear path. The controller circuit can determine a position ofthe deadbolt along the linear path based on the gravity vector. Thecontroller circuit can determine that the position of the deadbolt alongthe linear path corresponds to an endpoint of the non-linear path of theaccelerometer. The controller circuit can cause the actuator to stopextending the deadbolt based on the determination that the position ofthe deadbolt along the linear path corresponds to the endpoint of thenon-linear path of the accelerometer. The controller circuit cantransmit a message indicating a lock state (e.g., locked, unlocked,partially locked, 30% extended, 90% extended, etc.) via the antenna. Themessage can be transmitted to another device (e.g., a mobile device)directly (e.g., via a personal area network) or indirectly (e.g., via arouter configured to relay the message).

The bolt housing 106 can include a deadbolt. The bolt housing 106 can beattachable to an outer surface of the main housing. Upon attaching thebolt housing 106 to the outer surface of the main housing, component(s)of the main housing can be attached to the deadbolt. For example, a boltcarriage can be attached to the deadbolt (e.g., by a portion of thedeadbolt sliding into the bolt carriage).

A bolt cap 110 can be attachable to an outer surface of the deadbolt.The bolt cap 110 can be accessible even if the electromechanical lock isinstalled in a door. For example, the bolt cap 100 can be positioned ona leading edge of the deadbolt. The leading edge of the deadbolt is aportion of the deadbolt adjacent to a front plate 112. The front plate112 is attachable to an outer surface of the door (e.g., by insertingscrews in pre-defined screw holes of the front plate 112).

FIGS. 2 and 3 show side views of the electromechanical lock, accordingto an embodiment. The electromechanical lock can include a main housing(e.g., including a left housing 202 and a right housing 308), a bolthousing (e.g., bolt housing 206 or bolt housing 306), and a front plate(e.g., front plate 212 or front plate 312). A back plate (e.g., backplate 214 or back plate 314) can provide mobility to the front plate.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of components included in theelectromechanical lock, according to an embodiment. A main housing ofthe electromechanical lock can include a left housing 402, a righthousing 408, an antenna cover 404, and a bolt carriage 416. The boltcarriage 416 can be configured to attach to a deadbolt 420. For example,the bolt carriage 416 can include a groove configured to receive acomplementary notch of the deadbolt 420. The notch of the deadbolt 420can slide into the groove of the bolt carriage 416. Upon attaching thebolt carriage 416 and the deadbolt 420, the bolt carriage 417 can movethe deadbolt 420 along a linear path through the bolt sleeve 418. Thebolt sleeve can be positioned between the deadbolt 420 and a bolthousing 406.

An extension device can be included between the bolt carriage and thebolt housing. The deadbolt extension device can be used to adapt theelectromechanical lock to doors of various sizes. The length from anouter surface of a door to an opening for receiving a doorknob and/or adeadbolt is often referred to as a “backset.” Common backsets areapproximately 2.375 inches but some backsets can be approximately 2.750inches. The deadbolt extension device can increase a length from themain chassis to an outer edge of the deadlock to accommodate a doorhaving a large backset (e.g., exceeding 2.375 inches). The deadboltextension device can include another electrical connection and anotherattachment mechanism for the deadbolt. The another electrical connectioncan be configured to electrically connect the deadbolt with the mainhousing. The another attachment mechanism can be configured to attachthe deadbolt a pre-defined distance apart from the main housing. Thepre-defined distance can be approximately 0.375 inches.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show an exploded isometric view and an exploded sideview, respectively, of components of the electromechanical lock,according to an embodiment. The main chassis of the electromechanicallock can include a left housing 502, a right housing 508, a controllercircuit 522, an actuator (not shown), a flexible printed circuit board(PCB) 528, and a bolt carriage 516. The left housing 502 and righthousing 508 can form an outer surface of the main chassis. Thecontroller circuit 522 (e.g., computer system 1200 of FIG. 12) cancontrol the actuator. The controller circuit 522 can also managecommunication with other devices (e.g., a mobile device) and performfunctions in response to receiving messages from the other devices. Forexample, the controller circuit 522 can cause the actuator to extend thebolt carriage 516 in response to receiving a message indicative oflocking. In another example, the controller circuit 522 can cause theactuator to retract the bolt carriage 616 in response to receiving amessage indicative of unlocking. An antenna within the main chassis canrelay message to the controller circuit 522.

Electric power can be stored in a deadbolt 524 and transferred to themain chassis. An energy storage device within the deadbolt 524 can beelectrically connected to one or more components in the main chassis.The energy storage device can include, for example, an electrochemicalcell (e.g., a flow battery, ultrabattery, and/or recharchable battery),a capacitor (e.g., a supercapacitor), an energy storage coil (e.g., asuperconducting magnetic energy storage device), a compressed air energystorage device, a flywheel, a hydraulic accumulator, a chemical energystorage device (e.g., hydrogen storage), or any combination of energystorage devices. Electric current can flow from an energy storage deviceto a positive contact 538, a positive busbar 536, a negative busbar 542,a board-to-board connector 532, one or more pogo pins 530, and into thebolt carriage 516 where the electric current can be directed into one ormore components of the main chassis (e.g., the controller circuit 522,another circuit, the antenna, the actuator, or any combination thereof).One or more components can be used to resist or arrest mechanicalmovement of electrical devices such as, for example, a plate 548, adetent plate 534, springs 546, screws 544, springs 542, and male detentconnector 526.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show an exploded isometric view and an exploded sideview, respectively, of components of the electromechanical lock,according to an embodiment. A controller circuit 622, an actuator (notshown), and a flexible PCB 628 can be contained within a main housing ofthe electromechanical lock. The controller circuit 622 can include aprinted circuit board. The controller circuit 622 can manage componentsof the electromechanical lock including, for example, the actuator, anantenna, or a combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the actuator can be an electric motor. The controllercircuit 622 can activate the electric motor to cause the electric motorto extend and/or retract a bolt carriage. The bolt carriage can beattachable to a deadbolt. If a deadbolt is attached to the boltcarriage, extending and/or retracting the bolt carriage can cause thedeadbolt to extend and/or retract.

In an embodiment, the actuator can include a flexible componentconfigured to extend a bolt carriage to a lock position and retract thebolt carriage to an unlock position. The actuator can include a materialconfigured to change shape upon application of a stimulus (e.g., atemperature change and/or an electrical charge). For example, theactuator can include a shape memory alloy and/or a shape memory polymer.The controller circuit 622 can control an electric current through theactuator. The controller circuit 622 can increase the electric currentto cause the actuator to extend to the lock position and reduce oreliminate the electric current to cause the actuator to retract to theunlock position.

The electric current can be received from an energy storage device in adeadbolt. One or more components can deliver the electric current fromthe energy storage device to the main chassis. For example, a positivecontact 638 and/or a positive plate 648 can be in contact with theenergy storage device. An electric current can be transmitted throughthe positive contact 638 and/or the positive plate 648 to one or morebusbars (e.g., busbar 636 and/or busbar 642), a board-to-board connector632, one or more pogo pins 630, or any combination thereof. The one ormore pogo pins 630 can be electrically connected to a component of themain chassis (e.g., the bolt carriage) electrically connected to othercomponents of the main chassis (e.g., the controller circuit 622,actuator, an antenna, one or more switches, or any combination thereof).One or more switches can be managed by the controller circuit 622 todirect and/or redirect power delivery to any component in the mainchassis.

One or more components can be used to resist or arrest mechanicalmovement of electrical devices such as, for example, a detent 634,springs 646, screws 644, springs 642, and male detent connector 626. Forexample, the male detent connector 626 can be secured into a femalegroove of the bolt carriage configured to align the pogo pins 630 intoelectrical receiver elements of the bolt carriage. The aligned pogo pins630 can direct electric current into the electrical receiver elements ofthe bolt carriage.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show an isometric cross-section view of a bolt housing706, according to an embodiment. The bolt housing 706 can be configuredto receive a bolt 720. In an embodiment, an inner surface of the bolt720 can include threads complimentary to threads on a bolt cap. A boltcap can be attached to the bolt 720 by screwing the bolt cap into thebolt 720. In an embodiment, one or more other attachment mechanisms canbe used to attach the bolt cap to the bolt 720. The bolt cap can securean energy storage device in the bolt 720.

The bolt 720 can rest within a bolt sleeve 718 within the bolt housing706. The bolt 720 can be extended out of the bolt housing 706 in a lockposition and retract within the bolt housing 706 in an unlock position.The bolt 720 can be approximately cylindrically shaped. The bolt 720 caninclude a hollow inner region configured to receive an energy storagedevice 754. The energy storage device can include, for example, anelectrochemical cell (e.g., a flow battery, ultrabattery, and/orrecharchable battery), a capacitor (e.g., a supercapacitor), an energystorage coil (e.g., a superconducting magnetic energy storage device), acompressed air energy storage device, a flywheel, a hydraulicaccumulator, a chemical energy storage device (e.g., hydrogen storage),or any combination of energy storage devices. The energy storage device754 can be approximately cylindrically shaped. A diameter of the energystorage device 754 can be smaller than a diameter of the hollow innerregion. The hollow inner region can be approximately cylindricallyshaped. The hollow inner region can extend a length of the bolt 720. Forexample, the hollow inner region can extend from a side of the bolt 729having an attachment mechanism for a bolt cap to another side of thebolt 720 having an electrical and/or mechanical connection to a mainchassis.

The bolt 720 can be composed of a hardened material such as, forexample, a nitride metal, a precipitation hardened alloy, or acombination thereof. The hardened material (e.g., steel or stainless)can be case-hardened or through hardened to increase the surfacehardness of the bolt and/or the strength of the bolt. This can beaccomplished via nitriding, carburization, precipitation hardening,other tempering applications, a combination of tempering applications.Despite the use of less material for the bolt 720 (e.g., due to thehollow inner region), the hardened material can enable the bolt 720 tohave an approximately equal fracture strength as a conventionaldeadbolt. Thus, the bolt 720 can provide space for an energy storagedevice while maintaining structural integrity.

The bolt housing 706 can be attached to a back plate 714 and/or a frontplate 712. For example, the bolt housing 706 can be attached to and incontact with the back plate 714. A plate hinge 750 between the backplate 714 and the front plate 712 can allow the front plate 712 to moverelative to the bolt housing 706. Movement enabled by the plate hinge750 can allow the back plate 714 to rest against a door having an unevensurface.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show an exploded view of a bolt housing 806 and a bolt820, according to an embodiment. The bolt housing 806 (e.g., bolthousing 706 of FIG. 7) can be configured to receive a bolt 820 (e.g.,bolt 720 of FIG. 7). For example, the bolt 820 can rest within a boltsleeve 818 within the bolt housing 806. The bolt 820 can extend out ofthe bolt sleeve 818 and the bolt housing 806 upon being positioned to alock state. The bolt 820 can be retracted into the bolt sleeve 818 andthe bolt housing 806 upon being positioned to an unlock state.

A back plate 814 (e.g., back plate 714 of FIG. 7) can be attached to afront plate 812 (e.g., front plate 712 of FIG. 7) by an attachmentmechanism (e.g., plate screws 852). A plate hinge 850 between the backplate 814 and the front plate 812 can allow the back and front plates814, 812 to tilt independently of the bolt housing 806 over a range ofangles while being attached to the bolt housing 806. Enabling the backand front plates 814, 812 via the plate hinge 850 can allow the backplate 714 to rest against a door having an uneven surface.

FIG. 9A is a flow diagram of a method for electrically connecting adeadbolt with a main housing, according to an embodiment. Electricpotential energy can be stored in an energy storage device disposed in adeadbolt of an electromechanical lock (902). For example, electricpotential energy can be stored in a battery disposed in an cylindricalopening in the deadbolt that can be secured with a deadbolt cap. One ormore sides of the deadbolt can include an electrical contact (a positivecontact and/or a positive plate) configured for contact with the energystorage device. The electrical contact can be electrically connected toa main housing of the electromechanical lock via one or more busbars, aboard-to-board connector 632, one or more pogo pins, or any combinationthereof. For example, one or more pogo pins can be aligned withconductive components of a bolt carriage attached to the deadbolt.Electrical energy can be transmitted from the energy storage device toone or more components (e.g., a control unit, an actuator, an antenna,etc.) of a main chassis of an electromechanical lock (904). For example,electric energy can be transmitted to an actuator configured to move thedeadbolt along a path. Transmitting electrical energy to the actuatorcan cause the actuator to move the deadbolt along the path (906).Delivery of electrical energy to the actuator can be controlled by acontrol unit. The control unit can also receive power from the energystorage device disposed in the deadbolt.

FIG. 9B is a flow diagram of a method for mechanically connecting adeadbolt with a main housing, according to an embodiment. An actuatorcan be disposed in a main chassis of an electromechanical lock (912).The actuator can be attached to a deadbolt disposed in a deadbolthousing where the deadbolt housing provides a linear path for movementof the deadbolt (914). The actuator can be configured to cause thedeadbolt to extend or retract through the linear path provided by thedeadbolt housing. The actuator can be attached to the deadbolt via abolt carriage. The bolt carriage includes a groove attachable to a maledetent connector attached to the deadbolt. The groove in the boltcarriage provides a mechanical connection to the deadbolt and alsoaligns electrical elements (e.g., pogo pins) with conducting elements ofthe bolt carriage to enable electrical transmission from the deadbolt tothe main housing.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a method for operating an electromechanicallock, according to an embodiment. The method can include receiving amessage indicative of locking or unlocking (1002), causing an actuatorto extend or retract a deadbolt along a path in response to receivingthe message (1004), and receiving vector information from anaccelerometer indicative of a position of the deadbolt along the path(1006).

In an embodiment, a control unit (e.g., a processor) receives a messageindicative of locking or unlocking (1002). For example, a device (e.g.,a mobile phone and/or smart watch) can transmit (e.g., directly or viaone or more network devices) a message to an antenna disposed in a mainchassis of the electromechanical lock. The antenna can relay the messageto the control unit. The control unit can interpret the message todetermine if the message is indicative of locking or unlocking. Ancipher text and/or other encoded information can be contained in themessage. The control unit can employ a cryptographic key compatible withan encryption algorithm employed in the transmitting device (e.g., themobile phone and/or smart watch) to decrypt the cipher text and/or otherencoded information. The decrypted information can be used toauthenticate the transmitting device and/or determine if the message isindicative of locking or unlocking. If the transmitting device isauthenticated and the message is determined to indicate locking orunlocking, the control unit can activate an actuator.

In an embodiment, a control unit causes the actuator to extend orretract a deadbolt along a path in response to receiving the message(1004). For example, if the message is determined to be indicative ofunlocking, the control unit can cause the actuator to retract thedeadbolt. In another example, if the message is determined to belocking, the control unit can cause the actuator to extend the deadboltalong the path. Extending the deadbolt along the path can cause thedeadbolt to protrude out of a deadbolt housing and into a receiver in adoor frame.

An accelerometer can be used to monitor a position of the deadbolt alongthe path. For example, the accelerometer can be configured to rotatealong a non-linear path upon movement of the deadbolt along the linearpath. As the deadbolt moves from a first linear position to a secondlinear position along the linear path, the accelerometer moves from afirst non-linear position to a second non-linear position. The first andsecond non-linear positions of the accelerometer have distinct gravityvectors detectable by the accelerometer. The gravity vector detected bythe accelerometer is transmitted to the control unit. The control unitreceives the gravity vector detected by the accelerometer and uses thegravity vector to determine a position of the deadbolt along the path(1006). The control unit can transmit the determined position of thedeadbolt to a device (e.g., a mobile phone and/or a smart watch) eitherdirectly or via a network (e.g., the internet). Particular positions cantrigger an alert message indicating a position of the lock. For example,if the position of the deadbolt is less than a threshold extensiondistance (e.g., less than 0.5 inches extended), the control unit canautomatically transmit an alert to one or more devices. The alert canindicate that the door may not be properly locked, indicate theextension distance, provide a prompt for a relock attempt, or anycombination thereof. If the control unit receives a request for a relockattempt, the control unit can cause the deadbolt to retract andre-extend. After performing the relock attempt, the control unit candetermine the extension distance and transmit a message to one or moredevices indicating the extension distance following the relock attempt.The message and relock attempt can be repeated if the position of thedeadbolt is less than the threshold extension distance following therelock attempt.

FIG. 11A is a flow diagram of a method for adjusting operation of adeadbolt based on characteristics of a door, according to an embodiment.A controller can receive gravity vector information (1102). For example,a controller can obtain gravity vector information from anaccelerometer. Using the gravity vector, a position of a hollow bolt ofthe electromechanical lock can be determined (1104). For example, theposition of a hollow bolt can be determined using gravity vectorinformation. The controller can also receive information regarding thecurrent used by an actuator (e.g., a shape memory device and/or a motor)to cause the hollow bolt to change positions (1106). For example, anactuator can be powered by an energy storage device (e.g., a battery)and, therefore, draw current as it pushes or pulls on the hollow bolt toextend or retract it, respectively. This current can be monitored anddetermined by a current sensor and information regarding the current canbe provided to the controller.

The controller can then determine characteristics of the door,electromechanical lock, or deadbolt based on the position of thedeadbolt and/or current used by the actuator. For example, in acontroller can determine whether there is some obstruction blocking theentry of the hollow bolt into a bolt slot if the current used by anactuator is at or above some threshold current and the position of thehollow bolt is determined to correspond to one of the positions alongarc in which it should be within the bolt slot. The controller can thenadjust the operation of the hollow bolt based on the characteristics(1110). For example, if it is determined that there is an obstruction,then the controller can retract the hollow bolt and inform the a userthat there is an obstruction preventing the electromechanical lock fromlocking door.

Many of the examples described herein include using the gravity vectoras determined by an accelerometer. However, the same or differentaccelerometer can also provide other types of data. For example, anaccelerometer can also provide information regarding acceleration of thecomponent that it is placed upon. As a result, the accelerometer candetermine the acceleration (or even merely the presence of acceleration)of the door as it swings towards an unlocked or locked state. Thisinformation can be provided to a controller and the controller can thenretract the deadbolt so that it does not hit the door jamb. This canprevent damage to the door jamb, door, and/or electromechanical lock andalso provide a more comfortable user experience if the user uses thesmartphone to lock the door while it is swinging.

FIG. 11B is a flow diagram of a method for adjusting operation of ahollow deadbolt, according to an embodiment. For example, anaccelerometer can be used to determine that a hollow deadbolt isexperiencing acceleration. Because the accelerometer can be housedwithin an electromechanical lock, this means that door is swinging openor closed. A controller can then adjust operation of the hollow deadboltbased on the determination that the door is swinging (510). For example,the controller can instruct an actuator to retract the hollow deadboltto a position such that it would not strike the door jamb, for example,fully retracted to another position (e.g., a position just before whenit would enter deadbolt slot).

Terminology

Brief definitions of terms, abbreviations, and phrases used throughoutthis application are given below.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentof the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” invarious places in the specification are not necessarily all referring tothe same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodimentsmutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features aredescribed that may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others.Similarly, various requirements are described that may be requirementsfor some embodiments but not others.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,”“coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling,either direct or indirect, between two or more elements. The coupling orconnection between the elements can be physical, logical, or acombination thereof. For example, two devices may be coupled directly,or via one or more intermediary channels or devices. As another example,devices may be coupled in such a way that information can be passedthere between, while not sharing any physical connection with oneanother. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and wordsof similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to thisapplication as a whole and not to any particular portions of thisapplication. Where the context permits, words in the DetailedDescription using the singular or plural number may also include theplural or singular number respectively. The word “or,” in reference to alist of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretationsof the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list,and any combination of the items in the list.

If the specification states a component or feature “may,” “can,”“could,” or “might” be included or have a characteristic, thatparticular component or feature is not required to be included or havethe characteristic.

The term “module” refers broadly to software, hardware, or firmwarecomponents (or any combination thereof). Modules are typicallyfunctional components that can generate useful data or another outputusing specified input(s). A module may or may not be self-contained. Anapplication program (also called an “application”) may include one ormore modules, or a module may include one or more application programs.

The terminology used in the Detailed Description is intended to beinterpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is beingused in conjunction with certain examples. The terms used in thisspecification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, withinthe context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where eachterm is used. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, forexample using capitalization, italics, and/or quotation marks. The useof highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; thescope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether ornot it is highlighted. It will be appreciated that the same element canbe described in more than one way.

Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any oneor more of the terms discussed herein, but special significance is notto be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussedherein. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use ofother synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification,including examples of any terms discussed herein, is illustrative onlyand is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of thedisclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is notlimited to various embodiments given in this specification.

Computer

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the exampleform of a computer system 1200 within which a set of instructions, forcausing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies ormodules discussed herein, can be executed.

In the example of FIG. 12, the computer system 1200 includes aprocessor, memory, non-volatile memory, and an interface device. Variouscommon components (e.g., cache memory) are omitted for illustrativesimplicity. The computer system 1200 is intended to illustrate ahardware device on which any of the components described in the exampleof FIGS. 1-11 (and any other components described in this specification)can be implemented. The computer system 1200 can be of any applicableknown or convenient type. The components of the computer system 1200 canbe coupled together via a bus or through some other known or convenientdevice.

This disclosure contemplates the computer system 1200 taking anysuitable physical form. As example and not by way of limitation,computer system 1200 can be an embedded computer system, asystem-on-chip (SOC), a single-board computer system (SBC) (such as, forexample, a computer-on-module (COM) or system-on-module (SOM)), adesktop computer system, a laptop or notebook computer system, aninteractive kiosk, a mainframe, a mesh of computer systems, a mobiletelephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a server, or acombination of two or more of these. Where appropriate, computer system1200 can include one or more computer systems 1200; be unitary ordistributed; span multiple locations; span multiple machines; or residein a cloud, which can include one or more cloud components in one ormore networks. Where appropriate, one or more computer systems 1200 canperform without substantial spatial or temporal limitation one or moresteps of one or more methods described or illustrated herein. As anexample and not by way of limitation, one or more computer systems 1200can perform in real time or in batch mode one or more steps of one ormore methods described or illustrated herein. One or more computersystems 1200 can perform at different times or at different locationsone or more steps of one or more methods described or illustratedherein, where appropriate.

The processor can be, for example, a conventional microprocessor such asan Intel Pentium microprocessor or Motorola PowerPC microprocessor. Oneof skill in the relevant art can recognize that the terms“machine-readable (storage) medium” or “computer-readable (storage)medium” include any type of device that is accessible by the processor.

The memory is coupled to the processor by, for example, a bus. Thememory can include, by way of example but not limitation, random accessmemory (RAM), such as dynamic RAM (DRAM) and static RAM (SRAM). Thememory can be local, remote, or distributed.

The bus also couples the processor to the non-volatile memory and driveunit. The non-volatile memory is often a magnetic floppy or hard disk, amagnetic-optical disk, an optical disk, a read-only memory (ROM), suchas a CD-ROM, EPROM, or EEPROM, a magnetic or optical card, or anotherform of storage for large amounts of data. Some of this data is oftenwritten, by a direct memory access process, into memory during executionof software in the computer system 1200. The non-volatile storage can belocal, remote, or distributed. The non-volatile memory is optionalbecause systems can be created with all applicable data available inmemory. A typical computer system can usually include at least aprocessor, memory, and a device (e.g., a bus) coupling the memory to theprocessor.

Software is typically stored in the non-volatile memory and/or the driveunit. Indeed, storing an entire large program in memory may not bepossible. Nevertheless, it should be understood that for software torun, if necessary, it is moved to a computer readable locationappropriate for processing, and for illustrative purposes, that locationis referred to as the memory in this paper. Even when software is movedto the memory for execution, the processor can typically make use ofhardware registers to store values associated with the software, andlocal cache that, ideally, serves to speed up execution. As used herein,a software program is assumed to be stored at any known or convenientlocation (from non-volatile storage to hardware registers) when thesoftware program is referred to as “implemented in a computer-readablemedium.” A processor is considered to be “configured to execute aprogram” when at least one value associated with the program is storedin a register readable by the processor.

The bus also couples the processor to the network interface device. Theinterface can include one or more of a modem or network interface. Itcan be appreciated that a modem or network interface can be consideredto be part of the computer system 1200. The interface can include ananalog modem, ISDN modem, cable modem, token ring interface, satellitetransmission interface (e.g., “direct PC”), or other interfaces forcoupling a computer system to other computer systems. The interface caninclude one or more input and/or output devices. The I/O devices caninclude, by way of example but not limitation, a keyboard, a mouse orother pointing device, disk drives, printers, a scanner, and other inputand/or output devices, including a display device. The display devicecan include, by way of example but not limitation, a cathode ray tube(CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), or some other applicable known orconvenient display device. For simplicity, it is assumed thatcontrollers of any devices not depicted in the example of FIG. 12 residein the interface.

In operation, the computer system 1200 can be controlled by operatingsystem software that includes a file management system, such as a diskoperating system. One example of operating system software withassociated file management system software is the family of operatingsystems known as Windows® from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.,and their associated file management systems. Another example ofoperating system software with its associated file management systemsoftware is the Linux™ operating system and its associated filemanagement system. The file management system is typically stored in thenon-volatile memory and/or drive unit and causes the processor toexecute the various acts utilized by the operating system to input andoutput data and to store data in the memory, including storing files onthe non-volatile memory and/or drive unit.

Some portions of the detailed description can be presented in terms ofalgorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bitswithin a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions andrepresentations are the means used by those skilled in the dataprocessing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their workto others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally,conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of operations leading to adesired result. The operations are those requiring physicalmanipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily,these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capableof being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwisemanipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasonsof common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements,symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.

It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar termsare to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and aremerely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unlessspecifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following discussion,it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizingterms such as “processing” or “computing” or “calculating” or“determining” or “displaying” or “generating” or the like, refer to theaction and processes of a computer system, or similar electroniccomputing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented asphysical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registersand memories into other data similarly represented as physicalquantities within the computer system memories or registers or othersuch information storage, transmission or display devices.

The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently relatedto any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general purposesystems can be used with programs in accordance with the teachingsherein, or it can prove convenient to construct more specializedapparatus to perform the methods of some embodiments. The utilizedstructure for a variety of these systems can appear from the descriptionbelow. In addition, the techniques are not described with reference toany particular programming language, and various embodiments can thus beimplemented using a variety of programming languages.

In alternative embodiments, the machine operates as a standalone deviceor can be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networkeddeployment, the machine can operate in the capacity of a server or aclient machine in a client-server network environment, or as a peermachine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The machine can be a server computer, a client computer, a personalcomputer (PC), a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a set-top box (STB), apersonal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, an iPhone, aBlackberry, a processor, a telephone, a web appliance, a network router,switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set ofinstructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be takenby that machine.

While the machine-readable medium or machine-readable storage medium isshown in an exemplary embodiment to be a single medium, the term“machine-readable medium” and “machine-readable storage medium” shouldbe taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., acentralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches andservers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term“machine-readable medium” and “machine-readable storage medium” shallalso be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encodingor carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and thatcause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies ormodules of the presently disclosed technique and innovation.

In general, the routines executed to implement the embodiments of thedisclosure, can be implemented as part of an operating system or aspecific application, component, program, object, module or sequence ofinstructions referred to as “computer programs.” The computer programstypically comprise one or more instructions set at various times invarious memory and storage devices in a computer, and that, when readand executed by one or more processing units or processors in acomputer, cause the computer to perform operations to execute elementsinvolving the various aspects of the disclosure.

Moreover, while embodiments have been described in the context of fullyfunctioning computers and computer systems, those skilled in the art canappreciate that the various embodiments are capable of being distributedas a program product in a variety of forms, and that the disclosureapplies equally regardless of the particular type of machine orcomputer-readable media used to actually effect the distribution.

Further examples of machine-readable storage media, machine-readablemedia, or computer-readable (storage) media include but are not limitedto recordable type media such as volatile and non-volatile memorydevices, floppy and other removable disks, hard disk drives, opticaldisks (e.g., Compact Disk Read-Only Memory (CD ROMS), Digital VersatileDisks, (DVDs), etc.), among others, and transmission type media such asdigital and analog communication links.

In some circumstances, operation of a memory device, such as a change instate from a binary one to a binary zero or vice-versa, for example, cancomprise a transformation, such as a physical transformation. Withparticular types of memory devices, such a physical transformation cancomprise a physical transformation of an article to a different state orthing. For example, but without limitation, for some types of memorydevices, a change in state can involve an accumulation and storage ofcharge or a release of stored charge. Likewise, in other memory devices,a change of state can comprise a physical change or transformation inmagnetic orientation or a physical change or transformation in molecularstructure, such as from crystalline to amorphous or vice versa. Theforegoing is not intended to be an exhaustive list in which a change instate for a binary one to a binary zero or vice-versa in a memory devicecan comprise a transformation, such as a physical transformation.Rather, the foregoing is intended as illustrative examples.

A storage medium typically can be non-transitory or comprise anon-transitory device. In this context, a non-transitory storage mediumcan include a device that is tangible, meaning that the device has aconcrete physical form, although the device can change its physicalstate. Thus, for example, non-transitory refers to a device remainingtangible despite this change in state.

Remarks

The foregoing description of various embodiments of the claimed subjectmatter has been provided for the purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimedsubject matter to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to one skilled in the art. Embodiments werechosen and described in order to best describe the principles of theinvention and its practical applications, thereby enabling othersskilled in the relevant art to understand the claimed subject matter,the various embodiments, and the various modifications that are suitedto the particular uses contemplated.

While embodiments have been described in the context of fullyfunctioning computers and computer systems, those skilled in the artwill appreciate that the various embodiments are capable of beingdistributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that thedisclosure applies equally regardless of the particular type of machineor computer-readable media used to actually effect the distribution.

Although the above Detailed Description describes certain embodimentsand the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appearsin text, the embodiments can be practiced in many ways. Details of thesystems and methods may vary considerably in their implementationdetails, while still being encompassed by the specification. As notedabove, particular terminology used when describing certain features oraspects of various embodiments should not be taken to imply that theterminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specificcharacteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which thatterminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the followingclaims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specificembodiments disclosed in the specification, unless those terms areexplicitly defined herein. Accordingly, the actual scope of theinvention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also allequivalent ways of practicing or implementing the embodiments under theclaims.

The language used in the specification has been principally selected forreadability and instructional purposes, and it may not have beenselected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. Itis therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not bythis Detailed Description, but rather by any claims that issue on anapplication based hereon. Accordingly, the disclosure of variousembodiments is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of thescope of the embodiments, which is set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electromechanical lock, comprising: a boltcarriage disposed within a main housing of the electromechanical lock,the bolt carriage including electrical contacts; and a connector and adeadbolt disposed within a bolt housing, the connector configured toinsert into the bolt carriage, wherein electrical componentselectrically connected to the deadbolt are aligned with the electricalcontacts of the bolt carriage for enabling electrical transmission fromthe deadbolt to the bolt carriage.
 2. The electromechanical lock ofclaim 1, further comprising: a bolt sleeve disposed between the deadboltand the bolt housing.
 3. The electromechanical lock of claim 1, whereinalignment of the electrical components with the electrical contactsenables electrical transmission from an energy storage device disposedin the deadbolt to one or more components disposed in the main housing.4. The electromechanical lock of claim 1, wherein the bolt carriage isconfigured to move the deadbolt along a path through the bolt housing.5. The electromechanical lock of claim 1, wherein alignment of theelectrical components with the electrical contacts is maintained uponmovement of the deadbolt along a path through the bolt housing.
 6. Theelectromechanical lock of claim 1, wherein the main housing includes anactuator configured to retract the deadbolt to operate in an unlockedstate, and configured to extend the deadbolt into a deadbolt slot in alocked state.
 7. The electromechanical lock of claim 1, wherein the mainhousing includes an accelerometer configured to rotate along anon-linear path as the electromechanical lock transitions between anunlocked state and a locked state, wherein the accelerometer isconfigured to determine a gravity vector representing an inclination ofthe accelerometer along the non-linear path.
 8. An electromechanicallocking system, comprising: a main housing including a bolt carriage,the bolt carriage including electrical contacts; a bolt housingincluding a connector and a deadbolt, the connector configured to insertinto the bolt carriage, wherein the connector is configured to alignelectrical components electrically connected to the deadbolt to theelectrical contacts of the bolt carriage; and a control unitelectrically connect to an energy storage device in the deadbolt,wherein the control unit is configured to: receive a message indicativeof locking or unlocking; and cause an actuator to extend or retract thedeadbolt along a path in response to receiving the message.
 9. Theelectromechanical locking system of claim 8, wherein alignment of theelectrical components with the electrical contacts is maintained uponmovement of the deadbolt along a path through the bolt housing.
 10. Theelectromechanical locking system of claim 8, wherein the connector isfurther configured to insert into a deadbolt extension device, thedeadbolt extension device configured to electrically and mechanicallyconnect the bolt housing with the main housing.
 11. Theelectromechanical locking system of claim 8, wherein the electricalcomponents include pogo pins inserted in the connector, the pogo pinsbeing aligned with the electrical contacts of the bolt carriage uponinserting the connector into the bolt carriage.
 12. Theelectromechanical locking system of claim 8, wherein the bolt carriageis configured to move the deadbolt while maintaining an electricalconnection with the deadbolt.
 13. A method for connecting a deadbolt toa main housing of an electromechanical lock, the method comprising:disposing a bolt carriage in the main housing of the electromechanicallock, the bolt carriage including electrical contacts; disposing aconnector and a deadbolt within a bolt housing, the connector configuredto insert into the bolt carriage, wherein the connector is configured toalign electrical components electrically connected to the deadbolt tothe electrical contacts of the bolt carriage; and inserting theconnector into the bolt carriage to cause the electrical componentselectrically connected to the deadbolt to contact the electricalcontacts of the bolt carriage.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein theelectrical components include pogo pins inserted in the connector. 15.The method of claim 13, wherein the bolt carriage is attached to anactuator disposed in the main housing.
 16. The method of claim 13,wherein the bolt carriage is configured to apply a force to the deadboltto cause the deadbolt to extend and/or retract through a path in thebolt housing.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the bolt carriage isconfigured to move the deadbolt while maintaining an electricalconnection with the deadbolt.
 18. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising: receiving, by one or more components disposed in the mainhousing, electrical energy from an energy storage device disposed in thedeadbolt.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the one or more componentsdisposed in the main housing include any of an actuator, a control unit,and an antenna.
 20. The method of claim 13, wherein the connector isfurther configured to insert into a deadbolt extension device, thedeadbolt extension device configured to electrically and mechanicallyconnect the bolt housing with the main housing.